Child Therapy
Raleigh, NC or virtually.
Our child therapists are experienced in working with clients ages 3 and up.
With young clients, we primarily use a blend of play therapy, mindfulness, art therapy, and behavioral interventions. Through therapeutic play, we are able to meet and respond to a child’s mental health needs in a language they understand.
We support our child clients in learning, relearning, and improving important skills including emotion identification, empathy-building, behavioral management, problem-solving, self-awareness, self-esteem, emotion expression, and coping techniques.
Many of our child therapy clients come to us because they are struggling with a new transition in their family or their life, they have experienced a loss, they are struggling socially or academically, or they need support emotionally and/or behaviorally.
Our therapists engage parents and caregivers throughout the therapeutic process, because research demonstrates that children gain the most from therapy when family members are active participants. Including the family allows the child to bring what they have learned home with them and practice it there. In doing so, the entire household benefits.
Book your appointment with one of our child therapists to get started today.
Less stuck. Less stressed.
Common issues addressed in play therapy include:
Struggling w/transitions
Divorce of parents
Sibling conflict
Anxiety/depression
School anxiety
Social skill development
Grief/Loss
Behavioral issues
Trauma
Fear or phobias
Every child is different, and so is their story. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, behavior changes, grief, trauma, or something harder to name, therapy can provide a safe, supportive space to explore and heal. Our child therapists work closely with families to understand the “why” behind the behavior—and to help children build the tools they need to feel more secure, confident, and connected. No concern is too small. If something feels off, we’re here to help your child feel more like themselves again.
Signs Your Child Might Benefit From Counseling
✔️ Big feelings are hard to manage.
Frequent meltdowns, tantrums, or intense emotions that feel overwhelming—for them and for you.
✔️ They’ve withdrawn from others.
Pulling away from friends, avoiding social situations, or losing interest in activities they once loved.
✔️ Changes in sleep or eating habits.
Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, sudden changes in appetite, or physical complaints without a clear cause.
✔️ They’re going through something big.
Divorce, grief, moving, or any life transition that feels hard to navigate emotionally.
✔️ You want to support their growth.
Even if nothing “seems wrong,” you want them to build healthy coping tools, confidence, and emotional awareness.
✔️ They have trouble talking about their feelings.
If they shut down, lash out, or don’t have the words to express what’s going on inside, therapy can offer a safe space to help them learn how.
✔️ Struggles at school.
Dropping grades, difficulty concentrating, behavioral issues, or conflict with peers or teachers.
✔️ You’re noticing more anxiety or worry.
They express fears, perfectionism, or seem constantly on edge—even over small things.
✔️ You’ve seen regression in behavior.
Going back to earlier habits like bedwetting, clinginess, or separation anxiety—especially after a change or loss.
What to Expect in Your Childs First Session
A warm, welcoming space just for them.
The first session is designed to help your child feel safe, seen, and comfortable. We use age-appropriate approaches to build trust—no pressure to “open up” right away.We’ll learn what brought you here.
We begin by talking with you and your child about what’s been going on—whether it’s changes in mood, behavior, school, or family dynamics—and what you’re hoping therapy can support.Your therapist will gently guide the session.
Using play, art, games, or conversation (depending on your child’s age), we help your child express thoughts and feelings in ways that feel natural and safe to them.
Parents are part of the process.
While we focus on your child’s needs, we also connect with you to gather insight, answer questions, and partner in supporting your child’s growth—especially early on.
No pressure, just connection.
The goal of this first session is to build trust—not to fix everything in one hour. It’s okay if your child is shy, quiet, or unsure. That’s expected, and we move at their pace.You’ll leave with next steps.
By the end, we’ll share initial impressions and collaborate on how therapy can best support your child moving forward—whether through regular sessions, parent check-ins, or specific strategies to try at home.
Tools & Skills Your Child Will Learn in Counseling
Emotional Awareness & Expression
Learn to identify and name feelings, making it easier to express them in safe and healthy ways.
Coping with Big Feelings
Discover tools to manage anxiety, anger, sadness, and overwhelm — without acting out or shutting down.
Building Confidence & Self-Esteem
Explore strengths, set achievable goals, and develop a more positive self-image in a supportive environment.
Setting Boundaries & Respecting Others
Understand the importance of personal space, saying “no,” and listening to others’ needs.
Problem-Solving & Communication
Practice using words to work through challenges, ask for help, and resolve conflicts respectfully.
Developing Social Skills
Build tools for making and keeping friends, reading social cues, and navigating peer relationships.
Child therapy isn’t just about talking — it’s about giving your child the tools to better understand themselves, manage their emotions, and build stronger connections. This section helps clarify what your child can gain from therapy and how it supports their growth and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that starting therapy for your child can come with a lot of uncertainty. Whether you’re wondering how sessions work, what your role will be, or how to talk to your child about it—we’re here to make the process feel clear and supportive. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from parents and caregivers.
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You don’t have to wait for a crisis to seek support. If your child is experiencing ongoing mood changes, difficulty with behavior, social challenges, school issues, or big life transitions, counseling can help. Therapy is a space to process, learn coping tools, and feel supported—whether your child is struggling or simply adjusting to something new.
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Sessions are tailored to your child’s age and needs. For younger kids, sessions often involve play, art, storytelling, or games to help them express themselves in natural ways. For older children, we may incorporate conversation, skill-building, or creative activities. The goal is to create a comfortable environment where your child can feel seen and supported.
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Yes! Parent involvement is an important part of child therapy. While sessions are focused on your child, we also meet with you to discuss goals, offer updates, and collaborate on how to best support your child at home and in daily life. We want you to feel informed and empowered as part of the healing process.
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The length of therapy depends on your child’s unique needs, challenges, and goals. Some children benefit from short-term support during a transition or stressor, while others may benefit from longer-term work. Your therapist will keep you informed and collaborate with you as your child progresses.
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It’s very normal for kids to feel unsure or resistant at first. We meet your child with patience and warmth, and never force conversations or disclosures. We use creative, playful, and age-appropriate approaches to build trust and comfort. Many children grow to enjoy sessions once they feel safe and connected.
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Confidentiality is important, and we work hard to create a trusting space for your child. That said, we also prioritize parent collaboration and will keep you informed about important themes or concerns. If there are any safety concerns, we’ll always communicate directly with you. Our goal is to support the whole family, not keep you in the dark.
Helping Your Child Heal, Grow, and Thrive
Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and understood—and every parent deserves guidance through the hard moments. At Your Journey Through, we’re here to walk alongside your family with compassion, expertise, and care. Whether your child is navigating anxiety, grief, big transitions, or just needs extra support, therapy can be a powerful place for growth. When your child feels seen, they begin to heal—and so does your whole family. You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s take the next step together.
